Minutes of the Management Meeting held at Ripley Castle - Monday, May 21, 2007

MEMBERS PRESENT

Sir Thomas in the Chair, Tricia Heard, Bill Kitson, Tony Whittaker, Jeff Watkins, Anton Lodge, Eric Houseman, Erik Thompson, John Barrett, Martin Blackham, Steve Whiteley and Peter Crack

APOLOGIES

were received from Barry Gill, Chris Newton, Bruce Jackson, Roger Deakin, Ben Drummond, Neil Burtwistle, Shaun Sowray and Steven Coombs.

MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 19th March 2007 having been circulated were approved and signed as a true record of the meeting.

MATTERS ARISING

It was confirmed that there would be no further funds from Ackrills for Sponsorship of the Junior Leagues, beyond the website arrangements now in place. All other matters would be covered by the agenda which follows.

CORRESPONDENCE AND SECRETARY’S BUSINESS


  1. Bruce Jackson:- Now that Bruce had severed his long connection with Alne and was playing for club outside the League, it was considered, after discussion that he should resign from the Committee and be replaced. Bruce should be thanked for his long and enthusiastic service on the Committee. Members were asked to consider names of a replacement. David Archbold was suggested as a possible and generally agreed.
  2. Pannal Ash C.C.:- James Thompson had written to report that the club had an excess of new and junior players and had enquired whether a fresh team might play a series of friendlies against the Division 8 teams, with a view to joining that Division in 2008. This was agreed.
  3. Boroughbridge :- The Club was now resurgent and doing well and had taken the place of Bishop Monkton in the Evening League, that team having withdrawn.
  4. York Senior League Secretary :- had raised with our secretary the problem of Harrogate playing unregistered players and she had provided the details required.
  5. Clubs with teams in other Leagues :- This matter affects, Bilton, Harrogate, Ripon, Studley Royal, Northallerton and Thirsk. The first four clubs had played players in their Nidderdale league teams on the first day of our season who would have normally played in their senior teams playing in other leagues, had the season started a week later. It was agreed that each of these clubs should be advised that this practice was damaging the Spirit of the League and was causing resentment in other clubs. The clubs should be advised to avoid this practice and to ensure that it was not extended. The letter should go to the Club Chairman in each case who should be asked to acknowledge receipt. The Matter should be considered again at the Rules meeting in November; so far a voluntary agreement is to be sought, with the possibility of a rule change if necessary.
  6. Harrogate Nursery Ground :- After discussion it was agreed that Harrogate’s request for further changes to outlaw the scoring of sixes should be refused.
  7. Almsford Oval Ground:- Roger Deakin’s letters as to the state of the pavilion and the ground was read to the committee and it was agreed that the Ground Committee be requested to investigate the position.
  8. The Secretary :- described her suggested plans for retirement at the A.G.M. in 2009. Tricia Heard suggested the following steps to achieve the smoothest hand over.
    (i) Preparation of the 2008 Handbook should be passed on as soon as possible (T.H. would continue to be available for ‘reasonable’ consultation).
    (ii) Erik Thompson should continue as Assistant Secretary until A.G.M. in 2009 with Tricia Heard taking over the post until A.G.M. 2010 (When we would need a new Assistant Secretary).
    (iii) Anton Lodge indicated that he thought he knew of one or two people who may be prepared to take over the preparation of the Handbook and agreed to investigate further.
    (iv) A suitable announcement to be posted on the website to seek publicity for the appointment of the replacement League Secretary , after what would in 2009 be 16 years service by Tricia Heard.
    (v) Dave Archbold was mentioned as a possible replacement for (a) the Handbook Secretary and/or the League Secretary.


TREASURER’S REPORT

In the absence of Neil Burtwistle Tricia Heard announced that the balance at the bank is £10.540. Accounts had not yet been sent to clubs and cricket balls remain to be paid for.

DISCIPLINARY PANEL

Steve Whitley reported as follows:-
(i) A Hogg (Boroughbridge) It was confirmed that the ban on this player covers the whole of the current season, despite the required apology having been issued.
(ii) Dacre Banks C.C. and Julien Goodall This investigation is ongoing.
(iii) Newby Hall C.C. and Ollie Uffindall. The Newby Hall C.C. captain’s remarks as reported in the Ripon Gazette were being investigated.
(The general feeling of the meeting was that the matter should be treated as serious, particularly in the light of correspondence from the Umpire’s Association. It was agreed that the Umpires should have reported any incidents in the game and had not apparently done so).
(iv) A dispute as to whether North Stainley’s Ground had been playable is being dealt with.
There was a general discussion on disciplinary procedures and Steve Whiteley confirmed the scheduled series of fortnightly hearings will be implemented.
It was also agreed that decisions of the Panel will be posted on the League website.

UMPIRES’ SECRETARY

Jeff Watkins reported that all Division 1 and 2 games were covered up to 7th July, with a good number of Division 3 games also covered. The early rounds of the Cup Competitions were more difficult to arrange.

GROUND COMMITTEE

In Ben Drummond’s absence, his written report was read by the Secretary and a copy is attached.

JUNIOR LEAGUE

John Barrett reported that the new Ackrills Website was working superbly with 90-odd teams taking part.

SPONSORSHIP

Eric Houseman reported on the meeting held with Mr Najmi of Lords International on 30th March and the letter received in confirmation of his sponsorship of the League. The letter was produced to the President for signature and return to Lords. Lords had not agreed to reduce the cost of the ball to £17.

CUP COMPETITIONS AND EVENING LEAGUE

Barry Gills written report having been received is attached. The Committee agreed that the fine incurred by Raskelf should be waived.

SIX ASIDE INDOOR JUNIOR LEAGUE

Bill Kitson gave his report, a copy of which is attached. There will two extra teams for next season. The President thanked Bill Kitson for his work with the Indoor Junior League.

CHILD WELFARE

In the absence of Bradley Atkinson there was no report.

LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE SIDE

The Secretary reported on the first two games to be played
17th June Yorkshire Interleague away at Darfield against Doncaster/Sheffield Alliance.
14th June LA.C.C. away at Hunslet Nelson against Central Yorkshire League.
The list of 22 players has been promised to be provided by Shaun Sowray.

GOLDEN OLDIES 2010

Sir Thomas reported as follows -
(i) He had met David Hall and two representatives from Air New Zealand and shown them various local landmarks and several grounds which are likely to be used. They had been duly impressed.
(ii) The Bid Document had been circulated to Destination Harrogate ( the group of Major Harrogate Hotels) which has a ‘fighting fund’ available. A further meeting is due tomorrow. Theakstons are keen to sponsor. Yorkshire Tourist Board also has sponsorship funds.
(iii) The bid will take shape over the next few weeks.
(iv) There will be games on three days during the week of the Festival with 30 grounds possibly required. There will be opening and closing dinners, probably at Harrogate International Centre.
(v) £25,000 sponsorship will be required in total, with the hope that his can be split between various sponsors.
(vi) A working party would need to be set up to deal with grounds, teas, equipment etc.

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